Joël Robuchon's legacy to live on in two new London restaurants

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Joël Robuchon International is to open two restaurants in London in the coming months, in a bid to further secure the legacy of the pioneering chef.

October will see the launch of Le Comptoir Robuchon on Clarges Street in Mayfair, featuring an ‘evolved’ take on Robuchon’s small plates concept; while in November, ‘casual yet sophisticated’ all-day restaurant and patisserie Le Deli Robuchon will open on Piccadilly.

Earlier this year L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, the London restaurant opened by the eponymous late French chef in 2006, closed its doors.

Jeremy Page, who worked closely with Robuchon for 13 years at the original L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Paris’ Saint Germain, will oversee the kitchen at Le Comptoir Robuchon.

The menu will be split into two sections, with one showcasing a selection of contemporary dishes including La Saint-Jacques with scallop, potatoes and sage; and oyster mushroom served with consommé.

The second section, meanwhile, will feature a collection of Robuchon’s ‘classic’ dishes such as native lobster served with romesco sauce; quail with foie gras and truffle; and a gazpacho with heirloom tomatoes and burrata.

Le Deli Robuchon’s offering will include eat-in or take-away options, and feature a selection of hot and cold sandwiches such as a jambon-beurre baguette made with Robuchon’s signature butter; and a croque monsieur with Saint-Nectaire cheese and truffle

There will also be a selection of freshly baked pastries available including handmade croissants; and banana bread with mascarpone and caramelised almonds.

Joël Robuchon passed away in August last year after a battle with cancer, he was 73. Throughout his career he was awarded 32 Michelin stars across 13 countries, the most of any chef in the world.

Born in Poitiers, France, Robuchon is credited with reinventing French cuisine and being one of the most influential chefs of the post-nouvelle cuisine era. He helped mentor several famous chefs, including Gordon Ramsey and Michael Caines, and was named ‘chef of the century’ by French restaurant guide Gault Millau in 1989.

The L’Atelier brand was launched by Robuchon in 2003, and now operates sites in countries across Asia, Europe and North America.